Unbreakable threads

Chapter Eighty Two: Goodbye Tyreese

The truck rumbled along the road, the hum of the engine filling the quiet space as Tyreese focused on driving with Noah guiding him from the passenger seat. In the back, Rick sat with Alyssa curled up against him, her head resting on his shoulder. His hand moved gently through her dark hair, his touch soothing and protective.

For the first time, since they'd found each other outside the hospital, they truly felt like father and daughter. The barriers, the pain of the past, and the unspoken distance that had always lingered between them seemed to melt away. Alyssa had finally started to call him "Dad," and each time she said it, Rick felt something inside him heal—a piece of himself he thought had been lost long ago.

Michonne, wedged into the back with Glenn on her other side, glanced over at Rick and Alyssa. She watched as Alyssa's breathing grew slower, her body relaxing as she drifted into an exhausted sleep. Michonne's gaze softened, a small smile tugging at her lips as she leaned slightly closer to Rick.

"She needed this," Michonne said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper so as not to wake Alyssa. "She needed you."

Rick looked at her, his eyes filled with a mix of exhaustion and gratitude. "I needed her too," he admitted softly, his voice thick with emotion. "I didn't know how much until now."

Michonne nodded, her own expression thoughtful. "You've got her, Rick. No matter what happens, you've got her. And she's going to need you more than ever now."

Rick's hand paused for a moment in Alyssa's hair as he considered Michonne's words. He knew she was right. Beth's death, the weight of everything Alyssa had been through—it was a burden far too heavy for someone so young. She was tough, fierce even, but she wasn't invincible. And now, more than ever, he needed to step up. Not just as a leader, but as her father.

"I'm not gonna let her go," Rick said quietly, his voice resolute. "She's my little girl. And I'm gonna make damn sure she knows that."

Michonne smiled faintly, leaning back against her seat. She watched as Rick's hand resumed its gentle movement through Alyssa's hair, the girl letting out a soft sigh in her sleep. For the first time in what felt like forever, there was a sense of calm, however fleeting, in the midst of their chaos.

In the front, Tyreese glanced in the rearview mirror, his eyes briefly catching the sight of Rick and Alyssa before returning to the road. Noah, sitting beside him, gave quiet directions, the young man's face etched with determination and hope. They didn't know what they'd find in Richmond, but for the moment, the group was holding on to each other. And for now, that was enough.

Rick picked up the walkie-talkie from his holster. speaking softly into it, careful not to wake Alyssa, who was resting against his shoulder. His voice was low but steady.

"Carol, you copy?" he asked, glancing back to ensure the others in the truck remained quiet.

After a moment, the static crackled, and Carol's voice came through, slightly distorted but clear enough. "I'm here, Rick."

"Noah says we're about ten minutes outside of Richmond," Rick continued, his tone firm but calm. "I want you guys in the bus to pull over and wait for us here. Tyreese, Glenn, Michonne, Alyssa. Noah, and I will check out Richmond. If it's safe, I'll radio you to bring everyone else in. Understood?"

There was a pause before Carol replied. "Understood. I'll make sure we're pulled off the road where it's safe. Everyone here's fine. Carl's taking care of Judith, like always."

Rick exhaled, his shoulders easing slightly. "Good. Keep them close, Carol. Stay alert. We don't know what we're walking into."

"Copy that," Carol responded. "Be careful, Rick."